Week of 12/15/14

Highlights for the Week 

of 12/15/14 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - Words with the /k/, /ng/ & /kw/ Sounds
The final test for this lesson will be on Friday, 12/19. Spelling homework on Google classroom is also due that day.

Reading - The 12 Labors of Heracles
It has been such a pleasure for me to watch students create the slides for their presentation on the Labors of Heracles. They have learned a great deal about how to use the Presentation software to create interesting slides. I look forward to the presentations, which will take place on Monday, 12/15.

English - Explanatory Writing - "What Type of Animal Makes a Good House Pet?"
We will continue writing our first explanatory essay together. After studying types of support and transitions, we will write the final draft of the essay. We will continue this unit after winter break.

Social Studies - The Southeast

The Southeast slide presentations are scheduled for Wednesday, 12/17. Students will be graded on the content of their slide presentation, and on their presentation skills. Ask your child to see the copy of the rater for details. We will also work together to complete the Southeast portion of our United States maps.

Science - "How do the Bodies of Animals Help Them Meet their Needs?"

Animal adaptations is the next topic that we will study in Science. We will begin with an investigation that takes a look at how the shape of a bird's beak  determines the type of food it eats.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - T6 - "Developing Fluency: Multiplying by 1-Digit Numbers"
The Topic 6 TEST is scheduled for Thursday, 12/18. We will review for the test on Monday by taking the online version of the test in the classroom.

I often assign videos from the Pearson website as homework. Having students preview concepts by watching a video ("Flipping the Classroom") enables us to spend more time in class practicing the concept. Students should consider watching the video as important as completing any other homework assignment. I am able to monitor who does and does not watch the video. If your child is unable to watch a video due to an issue with technology (slow to load, lost internet connection, etc.) please send me an email/note to let me know that he/she was unable to to complete his/her homework due to circumstances beyond his/her control. Late slips will be given to students who do not view the assigned video for any other reason.

Don't Forget...

December 16 - Early Dismissal - Students dismissed at 11:00

January 5 -- Classes Resume after Winter Break

The Fourth grade BOWLING field trip is the afternoon of Wednesday, 12/17.  Students may bring a small amount of money to purchase snacks while bowling. Brunswick is offering a concession special of 2 slices of cheese pizza and a 16 oz. drink for $3.00. 

The "all-school" field trip to the TIVOLI Movie theater will be the afternoon of Friday, 12/19. Students will enjoy watching "Miracle on 34th Street". No money is necessary; snacks will not be available.

Mrs. Karen Bell